Should I give my Baby Vitamins?

Wednesday 2nd September 2026

Only feed them the Best Vitamins and Minerals for Babies

To supplement or not to supplement? Should I give my baby vitamins? As a parent, giving your baby the best possible start is a top priority. Good nutrition supports your baby’s growth and development but depending on their age, diet and milk intake, they may also need certain vitamin supplements.

According to the NHS1, from birth, all breastfed babies should be given a daily supplement of vitamin D (8.5-10 mcg). However, if you are feeding your baby 500 ml or more of formula, then your baby may not need a baby vitamin. This is because baby formulae are fortified with vitamins. Vitamins A, C and D are recommended by the NHS from six months until 5 years old if not on formula.

Vitamin D2

The main source of vitamin D is summer sunlight on our skin as our skin can normally make vitamin D. As a baby, that would be hard to do as their skin is thin, burns easily and does not yet contain enough melanin to protect from ultraviolet (UV) rays3.

Vitamin D is found in foods such as:

  • Oily fish
  • Eggs
  • Fortified foods – breakfast cereals

It is difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone.

 

Vitamin A2

Vitamin A is needed for your baby’s:

  • Healthy immune system
  • Vision in dim light
  • Skin

 

Good sources of vitamin A include:

  • Dairy products
  • Carrots, sweet potatoes, swede and mangoes
  • Dark green vegetables – spinach, cabbage, broccoli

Vitamin C2

Your baby’s overall health and immune system health depend on vitamin C.

Good sources of vitamin C include:

  • Oranges
  • Kiwis
  • Strawberries
  • Broccoli
  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers

 

When should you give your baby vitamins?

There isn’t a single answer to this question. Feeding your baby a rainbow diet with a colourful variety of fruits and vegetables lays the foundation of the nutrients they need. A baby vitamin can be a bonus on top of this.

 

It can depend on:

  • Their age
  • Whether they are breast-fed or formula-fed
  • How much fortified infant formula they drink
  • Their diet once they begin eating solid foods
  • Advice from a healthcare professional

 

Choosing the right supplement for your baby

Every baby is different. Before introducing a multivitamin for your baby, check the:

  • Age guidance
  • Ingredients

This is particularly relevant if you are already giving your baby another supplement or if your baby has specific dietary or medical needs.

 

Liquid Vitamin Drops

A liquid formula such as AvaCare’s Baby Multivitamin Drops4:

  • Is easy to measure
  • Has a combination of 12 vitamins and zinc
  • Is suitable from 3 months of age
  • Is vegan
  • Is made in the UK
  • Is free of artificial sweeteners, colours or flavours

 

It is important to always read the product label and follow the recommended dosage.

If you are unsure whether your baby needs a multivitamin, speak to your health visitor, GP or pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional.

 

Can giving your baby vitamins be too much of a good thing?

Always read the label of your baby vitamin to make sure it is age appropriate. Having too much of some vitamins can be harmful. I recommend keeping to the recommended dose for the age of your baby. Vitamins taken properly, won’t do any harm. It is worth noting that vitamins cannot take the place of a healthy diet, which babies need for good growth.

 

Dr Tamara Whiston.
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Connect with Tamara on Linkedin

 

 

 

References

1 – NHS: Best start in life – baby vitamins

2 – NHS: Vitamins for children

3 – NHS: Sunscreen and sun safety

4 – Avacare’s Baby Multivitamin Drops